Autocar has learned that Alfa Romeo is planning to replace the defunct 166 with a new large saloon – and company bosses are determined to source a rear-wheel drive platform for the car.
The car would act as a flagship model for the range, although Alfa’s new policy of naming rather than numbering models means it’s unlikely to carry the ‘169’ tag that previous speculation had suggested.
One option is to use the Maserati Quattroporte chassis, although the expense of this would limit potential sales volumes. But Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has already suggested that the new big Alfa could be based around the Jaguar XF chassis.
That’s not as outlandish as it sounds. Fiat Auto has a close connection with Tata (which owns Jaguar) because boss Ratan Tata sits on the Fiat board. And we know that Fiat-Jaguar co-operation has been discussed at senior level, because Fiat’s finance arm will replace Ford Credit as the source of finance for JLR’s dealers.
This tie-up could go further. While Alfa using the Jaguar XF chassis makes perfect sense, Jaguar’s other world-class aluminium rear-drive platforms would also be the logical underpinnings for future versions of Fiat Auto’s flagship cars, the Maserati Quattroporte and Coupe models.
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Re: Alfa planning new executive saloon
It's all about brand identity, the Mito is a great looking little car, wait to see one in the flesh than in photo's.
The 169 needs to stand out from the established pack to have any real chance against them. Too many manufacturers go for the bland look in the executive barge class, which is fine if you have an established image but Alfa do not have this. It really is about recreating the Alfa brand with good quality fixtures and fittings backed up with good driver appeal.
Re: Alfa planning new executive saloon
I think it looks fantastic, but of course, designs like this one will divide opinion. In the executive class, I think it's vital that the car has a strong identity and this design definitely possesses just that.
A Jag XF chassis would be fantastic too, I think!
Cannot understand the model numbering system. Why skip generations? From 164 to 166 then to 169? At least Peugeot are faithful to their model numbering sequence with the exception of the ugly-duckling 309 ........
Re: Alfa planning new executive saloon
Hmmm..... interesting proposition.
Now thinking a little further ahead, development of a rear drive X type chassis that could be used on a 159. A chassis that could be shortened to may be take in a 147/9 replacement......
It would be nice to see a manufacturer (or two as the case may be) other than BMW with a complete rear drive range.